TUSKEGEE, Ala. - The Valdosta State men's basketball team outlasted a pesky Tuskegee team to extend their early season winning streak to three with a 75-61 win in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon in Tuskegee, Ala.

The Blazers didn't perform at their full potential on offense in the close-quarters arena, but a strong defensive effort and a gritty performance in the remaining facets of the game allowed Head Coach Mike Helfer's crew to compensate for a below-average shooting performance.

"We won in a very tough environment on the road tonight, even though we didn't shoot well," said Helfer after the win, which improved VSU to a perfect 3-0 on the young season. "We made the hustle plays that teams need to make, like offensive rebounding, in order to make up for poor shooting."

Valdosta State's rebounding effort was indeed a key to the Blazers success on the afternoon, and the statistics backed up that sentiment. Tuskegee (0-4) hauled in just 28 rebounds in the contest, a number dwarfed by VSU's number of 45 total boards. Furthermore, 16 of the Blazers' rebounds were on the offensive end, which led Valdosta State to 20 second chance points. In comparison, the Golden Tigers scored just seven putback points on five offensive rebounds.

The Blazers benefited from a gutsy performance by Greg Zuppas, who came off the bench and nearly put up a double-double with 12 rebounds and nine points. KJ James reached the double-double mark for the first time this season with 12 boards and 12 points in the game, and Tyrone Sam led the team offensively with his second straight 20-point performance.

As a team, the Blazers shot just 40 percent (22-of-55) from the floor and 20 percent (4-of-20) from beyond the arc. The red and black softened the blow from the free throw line, however, with 27 points and a 75 percent (27-of-36) shooting effort from the stripe.

"We have a long way to go, but we are getting better in areas of concern," added Helfer. "We are certainly looking forward to playing in The Complex on Tuesday for our first home game of the year."

The aforementioned Tuesday night home opener will take place at 7:30 p.m., as the Blazers welcome Coastal Georgia to town for another non-conference matchup. The contest will mark the first of three home games for the Blazers next week, as VSU will host Fayetteville State and Webber International next weekend for the VSU Thanksgiving Classic. Stay tuned to www.vstateblazers.com for full coverage of Blazer basketball as the season rolls along.